Container handling system and method of operation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container processing system for processing containers (1a, 1b), particularly beverage containers, comprising at least two sequentially arranged processing devices configured to move the containers (1a, 1b) along a conveying path (9) extending along at least two enclosing structures (3a to 3h) spatially separated by partition walls (8). According to the invention, a conveying channel (10) connecting the enclosing structures (3a to 3h) is provided in the partition walls (8), the conveying path (9) extending through the conveying channel (10) at least in a portion of its length, and the conveying channel (10) being fluidly connected to a sterilizing gas supply device (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container handling system for handling containers, particularly beverage containers, having at least two sequentially arranged handling devices configured to move the containers along a conveying path extending along at least two enclosing structures spatially separated by partition walls.

[0002] This invention relates in particular to container handling systems in the field of food technology, especially beverage technology, so that the containers accordingly have a shape common in this application area. In principle, the containers can be so-called preforms or preforms, which are constructed into beverage bottles within the range of blow molding or stretch blow molding. Alternatively, the containers can also be beverage containers directly, constructed either as beverage bottles or beverage cans. Background Technology

[0003] In this configuration, the various processing units of a container handling system are typically arranged sequentially, allowing multiple processing steps to be performed simultaneously within a single container handling unit. For example, a preform might first be formed into a beverage bottle using blow molding or stretch blow molding in a processing unit configured as a blow molding or stretch blow molding machine, and then the container is filled in a subsequent processing unit configured as a filling machine. Of course, additional processing units can also be installed for this purpose. This results in different structures and configurations of processing units, which are arranged in separate enclosures depending on the application area.

[0004] Such enclosure structures can also be, for example, cleanrooms, designed to minimize microbial contamination within the operating area of ​​the respective processing equipment. This is particularly relevant when containers are intended for sensitive foods or beverages, where process control through sterilization can significantly extend shelf life. Furthermore, some foods absolutely require very low levels of microbial contamination to prevent harm to the health of the end consumer. However, in such cases, constructing the enclosure as a cleanroom only in the particularly sensitive areas of the container handling system is sufficient.

[0005] Accordingly, container handling within the container handling system takes place, at least for the majority of the path, inside the enclosure, allowing for controlled determination of the atmosphere there. Typically, the pressure levels within these enclosures also differ to achieve controlled flow within the container handling system. In this case, it is important to note that although each enclosure is designed individually, the containers must also be transported along the delivery path between the various handling units, resulting in at least one very small area through which the enclosures are fluidly interconnected. Flow can then be adjusted to specific pressure levels, for example, from highly sensitive areas to less sensitive areas.

[0006] However, this configuration invariably presents problems when servicing individual treatment units is required, which can include both maintenance and troubleshooting. In such cases, manual intervention within the enclosure is typically necessary, making it impossible to maintain a controlled surrounding environment. Furthermore, it may become necessary to address not only the treatment unit scheduled for maintenance, as flow guidance can no longer guarantee against microbial intrusion from the planned maintenance area into other enclosure structures.

[0007] In practice, this problem is addressed, for example, by temporarily increasing the internal pressure in an adjacent cleanroom according to EP 2 711 158 B1, thereby ensuring that only flow enters the enclosure structure scheduled for maintenance. Flow leaving the cleanroom is thus excluded.

[0008] This design has proven to be largely feasible; however, depending on the size of the enclosure, a large amount of sterilizing air must be introduced into the enclosure within a relatively short period of time, thus requiring a correspondingly high-powered fan. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In this context, the object of the present invention is to provide a container handling system that effectively and efficiently prevents the transfer of air contaminated with microorganisms, even during maintenance operations.

[0010] The subject and solution of this objective is the container handling system according to claim 1. Therefore, according to the invention, a conveying channel connecting the enclosure structure is arranged in the partition wall, wherein the conveying path extends at least partially through a first conveying channel, and this channel can be fluidly connected (fluidly communicated) to a sterilizing gas supply device.

[0011] The transport channel creates a defined narrow space between adjacent enclosures, defining the area traversed by the transport container between these structures during operation. During maintenance, sterile air is introduced into both enclosures via a sterile gas supply device, simultaneously preventing the transfer of microbially contaminated air through this narrow space. In this configuration, sterile air first enters the supply channel and flows from there into the two adjacent enclosures. The sterile gas supply device is accordingly configured to be directly and fluidly connected to the transport channel. For this purpose, the sterile gas supply device can be configured at least at its end as a guide conduit, the outlet of which is connected to the transport channel. This process control allows for the controlled loading of sterile gas, specifically sterile air, into the area defined solely by the transport channel between the enclosures.

[0012] Therefore, sterilizing gas can be introduced into the container handling system in a relatively small area using advantageous methods, while the internal pressure in each adjacent enclosure remains constant. Consequently, pressure drops in the enclosure scheduled for maintenance can be responded to much faster and in a more controlled manner, thus eliminating the need for large and high-powered fans used in the enclosure.

[0013] A preferred development of the invention specifies that the enclosure structure is designed as a cleanroom with an overpressure generating device. Specifically, the overpressure generating device is configured to introduce sterilizing air into the cleanroom, thereby achieving overpressure relative to the surrounding atmosphere. In this respect, a cleanroom refers to an enclosure structure that has a reduced number of airborne particles relative to the surrounding environment. In this case, classification is, in principle, based on different cleanliness levels according to ISO 14644-1. Within the scope of this invention, cleanliness levels between ISO 3 and ISO 9 are specifically provided.

[0014] According to a particularly preferred development of the invention, the processing equipment has a conveying device or is composed of a conveying device, wherein the conveying device of at least one processing equipment is arranged in a conveying channel.

[0015] The conveying device allows containers to move along a conveying path, where multiple conveying devices arranged sequentially form the entire conveying path. In this case, two different configuration schemes can be considered in principle.

[0016] According to the first variant, at least one processing device may consist of only one conveying device. In this regard, it should be noted that, within the scope of this invention, a processing device refers to any device that actively affects the container in any form. Therefore, in this respect, the conveying device should also be considered a processing device, since the container is correspondingly conveyed along the conveying path.

[0017] Such a conveying device can then consist of one or more conveying units arranged sequentially, wherein in a structure where multiple conveying units are arranged sequentially, transfer occurs between the various conveying units. Furthermore, the conveying units are selected from the group consisting of: conveyor wheels, conveyor belts, conveyor chains, and air cushion conveyor belts.

[0018] In principle, the conveying device can consist of only one of the types mentioned above; however, combinations are also possible. The most common design in container handling systems within the food industry is a conveyor unit in the form of a conveyor wheel, where the container receiving device is arranged along a rotatably driven carrier. Here, the container receiving device can be mounted on the carrier with fixed indexing or with angularly related indexing deviations. The container receiving device can be, for example, a so-called neck ring holder, which specifically grips beverage containers made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from below the so-called neck ring. In this case, it should be noted that the preform and the beverage bottle made from it typically have external threads for receiving the cap in the container mouth area, and a raised neck ring or retaining ring is arranged below these threads, which is particularly suitable for guiding the container within the conveying device. Such container holders are also provided in the conveyor chain, where the container holder then moves only by the conveyor chain driven around it. In the case of a conveyor belt, the container is typically upright on the conveyor belt driven around it. In the case of an air cushion conveyor belt, there are typically no movable components. Instead, the container is placed on a guide rail, for example, by a collar, and is moved in a controlled manner by the introduction of compressed air.

[0019] While in principle it is sufficient to simply transport the containers within the scope of the processing equipment, the second alternative specifies that at least one processing unit within the processing equipment has a processing unit configured for the conveying device for processing the containers during transport along the conveying path. Accordingly, the transport along the conveying path involves not only conveying the containers but also further processing them during transport.

[0020] In this configuration, the processing unit may be selected from the group consisting of: a heating unit, a molding unit, a filling unit, a sealing unit, a sterilization unit, a dust removal unit, a drying unit, a cleaning unit, an inspection unit, and a labeling unit. Specifically, the molding unit is a blow molding unit or a stretch blow molding unit. Therefore, the processing equipment is correspondingly a heating device, a molding device, a filling device, a sealing device, a sterilization device, a dust removal device, a drying device, a cleaning device, an inspection device, and / or a labeling device.

[0021] In principle, the present invention is not limited to two sequentially arranged processing devices or two sequentially arranged enclosure structures. Instead, multiple enclosure structures and / or processing devices can be arranged in series, with a corresponding supply channel equipped with a sterilizing gas supply device provided between each of two adjacent enclosure structures.

[0022] A known design of a container handling system in practice specifies that a pre-formed container is first provided and heated in a heating device with corresponding heating units for processing. By heating the container, the material (especially polyethylene terephthalate (PET)) softens, and the heated container is then conveyed to a forming device, particularly a blow molding or stretch blow molding device. In this device, the containers are fed with blow molding fluid via a blow molding unit during transport within conveyor wheels, and the fluid is pressed against the blow molding cavity of a blow molding die. Stretch blow molding devices are a specific design for blow molding equipment, in which a stretching rod is also introduced to axially stretch the container.

[0023] Molding is carried out either using a gaseous blow molding fluid (such as compressed air) or a liquid blow molding fluid, particularly a liquid filling material, especially food products such as beverages (forming-filling method). To achieve this molding, each blow molding unit has a container receiving device configured as a blow mold. The blow mold typically consists of at least two mold halves configured to pivot relative to each other, and together they form a blow molding cavity corresponding to the shape of the beverage bottle to be produced.

[0024] With the blow molding cavity open, a container in the form of a preform can be placed inside. The blow molding die is then closed by pivoting the mold halves. The container receiving device is equipped with a fluid supply device, through which pressurized blow molding fluid is introduced into the container during the closed state to cause plastic deformation. Typically, the fluid supply device is configured on a valve located above the container receiving device, allowing for corresponding control of the blow molding fluid supply.

[0025] The at least one blow molding unit is typically arranged on a conveyor wheel, thereby enabling the blow molding of the container during the rotation of the conveyor wheel. In particular, multiple (e.g., 10 to 20) blow molding units are arranged on a carrier, allowing multiple containers to be molded simultaneously. According to this design, the blow molding unit, including a fluid supply device and a container receiving device, is fixedly mounted on the conveyor wheel, so that the supply of blow molding fluid to the container is carried out in a rotating system. For this purpose, the fluid supply device is connected either directly or indirectly to a rotary joint, which enables the transfer of blow molding fluid between the fixed piping system and the rotating fluid supply device. According to this design, the delivery piping is part of the fixed piping system and is connected at its end to the rotary joint.

[0026] After molding, the container is removed from the blow molding equipment and can be supplied to other processing equipment, such as a filling machine with at least one filling unit as a processing unit. This filling unit can then fill the blow-molded beverage bottle-shaped container with filling material.

[0027] Of course, other processing equipment can also be installed between these processing devices, thus requiring an appropriate number of conveying channels between the enclosure structures. Therefore, for example, a sterilization device for sterilizing containers can be installed. Preferably, this sterilization device is arranged along the container conveying path before the molding equipment. In the case of blow molding or stretch blow molding equipment, the sterilization device can be arranged before the heating equipment or between the heating equipment and the blow molding equipment. Here, arranging it before the heating equipment has the advantage that, when using sterilizing fluid, the sterilizing fluid is first introduced into the sterilization device through the sterilization unit, and then activated in the heating equipment located downstream. Sterilizing agents are, in particular, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), peracetic acid, water vapor, or mixtures thereof. Furthermore, it is also possible to integrate the sterilization device into the heating equipment or blow molding equipment, so that these devices correspondingly have at least one additional sterilization unit, allowing sterilization to occur during the heating or blow molding process. In addition to sterilization using sterilizing fluid, sterilization of the containers by irradiation, particularly by UV irradiation, can also be considered.

[0028] In addition, a preferred construction design specifies that the conveying channels extend into the enclosure structure by a length that is at least 0.8 times, particularly 0.9 times, the width and / or height of the conveying channels.

[0029] Furthermore, one development specifies that the conveying channel is closed on its outer periphery in cross-section. Accordingly, the conveying channel can be configured according to the type of pipe and has a circular or polygonal cross-section. The advantage of this design is that it ensures that the sterilizing air introduced into the conveying channel can only flow out through openings on both sides of the conveying channel, thereby making controlled flow particularly easy to achieve.

[0030] However, in principle, it is sufficient for the conveying channel to be designed substantially U-shaped or C-shaped in cross-section, in which case at least one wall is provided on the side opposite to the sterilizing gas supply device. Through this wall, the incoming flow is diverted and guided into the enclosure structure. Even with such a construction scheme, flow between adjacent enclosure structures can be prevented. If the conveying channel has an opening in the wall, this opening can also be at least partially closed during conveying by the container shape.

[0031] Furthermore, the subject of this invention is a method of operating the container handling system of this invention, wherein during production operation, at least two sequentially arranged enclosures operate under overpressure, and during a maintenance step, the pressure in one of the enclosures decreases, and simultaneously sterilizing gas is supplied to both enclosures via a sterilizing gas supply device. In this case, the maintenance step may include maintenance measures and / or troubleshooting measures.

[0032] Accordingly, during production operations, at least one, but especially both, enclosures operate as cleanrooms, while containers are processed within the handling equipment and move along a conveyor path. By opening one of the enclosures, the pressure or internal pressure within the enclosure decreases, and fluid flow between the enclosures is prevented by the introduction of sterilizing gas, particularly sterilizing air. In this context, sterilizing gas refers to a gas that has been pre-filtered in a particulate filter or has a separation degree of at least 99.95%.

[0033] According to one development of the invention, each enclosure structure has a different internal pressure during production operation. Specifically, the internal pressure within the enclosure structure is 10 Pa to 30 Pa higher than the atmospheric pressure surrounding the enclosure structure during production operation. This different internal pressure can particularly protect especially sensitive areas; however, it is precisely in the case of enclosure structures with lower internal pressure that, when an enclosure structure with higher pressure is opened, a flow of microbially contaminated gas may enter adjacent enclosure structures. This is prevented during maintenance operation by introducing sterilizing gas.

[0034] According to one development of the invention, the sterilizing gas introduced into the supply channel has a pressure higher than the internal pressure in the enclosure structure adjacent to the supply channel. Here, the pressure of the sterilizing gas is at least 1.2 times, particularly preferably 1.5 to 2.5 times, the highest internal pressure of the adjacent enclosure structure. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the container processing system of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the transition area between two enclosure structures arranged one after the other. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Figure 1 The present invention illustrates a container handling system for processing containers 1a and 1b. This system comprises a plurality of processing devices that collectively form a conveying path 9 along which containers 1a and 1b are conveyed and processed in various ways during the conveying process. Specifically, the processing devices may be configured solely as conveying devices and used only for conveying containers 1a and 1b, or the processing devices may have conveying equipment along which further processing is then performed additionally during the conveying of containers 1a and 1b. Figure 1 This is shown as a structural design of a stretch blow molding apparatus in which a preformed container 1a is constructed into a beverage bottle-shaped container 1b.

[0039] For this purpose, the container handling system is divided into multiple enclosure structures 3a to 3h. First, a pre-formed container 1a is introduced into the first enclosure structure 3a via a feed chute 2. Within this first enclosure structure 3a, the container is dusted by a processing device configured as a dust removal device 4, which includes dust removal units (not shown) for dust removal of the container 1a. Furthermore, the dust removal device 4 also includes multiple conveying devices, which are in the form of conveyor wheels, via which transport to the second enclosure structure 3b can also be achieved. In this case, it should be noted that all adjacent enclosure structures 3a to 3h are separated from each other by partition walls 8.

[0040] Within the second enclosure structure 3b, a processing device configured as sterilization equipment 5 sterilizes container 1a. In this case, sterilization of container 1a can be achieved by adding a sterilizing fluid to container 1. Specifically, the sterilizing fluid is hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, water vapor, or a mixture thereof.

[0041] Then, container 1a is transported into the third enclosure 3c and the fourth enclosure 3d.

[0042] Within the fourth enclosure 3d, containers 1a and 1b are transported to or removed from different processing equipment. Furthermore, enclosure 3d and its connected enclosures 3e to 3g are constructed along transport path 9 to form a cleanroom to prevent microorganisms from entering containers 1a and 1b.

[0043] Starting from the fourth enclosure 3d, container 1a is first fed into a heating device 6, in which container 1a is conveyed to the fifth enclosure 3e, where it is heated by means of heating unit 13 to soften the material of container 1a, thereby allowing for subsequent plastic deformation in a simple manner. In particular, the material is PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

[0044] Then, starting from the fifth enclosure 3e, the container 1a re-enters the fourth enclosure 3h, and from there enters the sixth enclosure 3f and the blow molding equipment 7, where it is formed into a beverage bottle-shaped container 1b through stretch blow molding. For this purpose, the blow molding equipment 7 has multiple blow molding units 14, each consisting of a blow molding die and a fluid supply device through which blow molding fluid can be introduced into the containers 1a and 1b. Specifically, the blow molding fluid is compressed air or directly, liquid filling material.

[0045] Then, container 1b is removed and re-enters the fourth enclosure 3d and from there enters the seventh and eighth enclosures 3g and 3h.

[0046] Although the partition wall 8 essentially prevents air exchange between the individual enclosures 3a to 3h, it may still be necessary to open one of these enclosures 3a to 3h during maintenance procedures, provided that no air transfers between adjacent enclosures 3a to 3h.

[0047] This is achieved through Figure 2 The structural design shown is realized, and the figure schematically illustrates the transition between the third and fourth enclosure structures 3c and 3d.

[0048] Here, container 1a is conveyed along conveying path 9 between enclosure structures 3c and 3d, wherein a conveying channel 10 is arranged in partition wall 8 through which container 1a can be conveyed between enclosure structures 3c and 3d. In particular, enclosure structures 3c and 3d can be clean rooms designed with overpressure generating devices, and the pressure inside enclosure structures 3c and 3d is higher than the pressure in the surrounding environment.

[0049] Sterilizing air 12 is introduced into the conveying channel 10 via a sterilizing gas supply device 11, and then flows into the adjacent enclosure structures 3c and 3d. For this purpose, the sterilizing gas supply device 11 is directly connected to the conveying channel 10. This prevents air exchange between the enclosure structures 3c and 3d. The pressure of the sterilizing air 12 when it is introduced into the conveying channel 10 is greater than the internal pressure within the enclosure structures 3c and 3d.

[0050] According to the example shown, the conveying channel 10 has a wall closed on the outer peripheral side, forming an O-shape in the cross-section. However, in principle, it is also conceivable that the conveying channel 10 has a C-shaped or U-shaped cross-section.

[0051] List of reference numerals

[0052] Containers 1a and 1b

[0053] 2. Feed chute

[0054] 3a to 3h Envelope

[0055] 4. Dust removal equipment

[0056] 5. Sterilization equipment

[0057] 6. Heating equipment

[0058] 7. Blow Molding Equipment

[0059] 8. Partition wall

[0060] 9. Conveying Path

[0061] 10 Conveying Channels

[0062] 11. Sterilization gas supply device

[0063] 12 Air

[0064] 13 Heating Units

[0065] 14 Stretch blow molding unit

Claims

1. A container handling system for handling containers (1a, 1b), particularly beverage containers, the container handling system comprising at least two sequentially arranged handling devices configured to move the containers (1a, 1b) along a conveying path (9) extending along at least two enclosing structures (3a to 3h) spatially separated by partition walls (8), characterized in that, A conveying channel (10) is provided in the partition wall (8) to connect the enclosure structure (3a to 3h), the conveying path (9) extends through the conveying channel (10) at least in a portion of the section, and the conveying channel (10) is fluidly connected to the sterilization gas supply device (11).

2. The container handling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the two adjacent enclosure structures (3a to 3h), preferably the two adjacent enclosure structures (3a to 3h), is designed as a clean room with an overpressure generating device.

3. The container handling system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The processing equipment has a conveying device or is configured as a conveying device only, wherein the conveying device of at least one processing equipment is arranged at least partially in the conveying channel (10).

4. The container handling system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The conveying device is composed of one or more conveying units arranged sequentially, and the conveying unit is selected from the group consisting of conveying star wheel, conveyor belt, conveyor chain and air cushion conveyor belt.

5. The container handling system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, At least one processing device has a processing unit configured for conveying the container (1a, 1b) during conveying along the conveying path (9).

6. The container handling system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The processing unit is selected from the group consisting of: heating unit (13), forming unit, filling unit, sealing unit, sterilization unit, dust removal unit, drying unit, cleaning unit, detection unit and labeling unit.

7. The container handling system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The conveying channels (10) extend into the enclosure structure (3a to 3h) with a length that is at least 0.8 times, particularly 0.9 times, the width and / or height of the conveying channels (10).

8. The container handling system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The conveying channel (10) is closed on the outer periphery in cross-section.

9. A method for operating a container handling system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein during production operation, the at least two sequentially arranged enclosures (3a to 3h) operate under overpressure, and during a maintenance step, the internal pressure in one of the enclosures (3a to 3h) decreases, and simultaneously sterilizing gas is supplied to the two enclosures (3a to 3h) by a sterilizing gas supply device (11).

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, During production operation, each enclosure structure (3a to 3h) has different internal pressures.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The sterilizing gas introduced into the conveying channel (10) has a pressure higher than the internal pressure in the enclosure structure (3a to 3h) adjacent to the conveying channel (10).

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